Economy, Education And The Future Of Nigerian Students -By Abubakar Idris Misau

From the beginning of this month of February of 2024, there is hardly one Nigerian daily without a headline about the country’s economic hardship. For example, on Tuesday, 6th February 2024, Premium Times Nigeria reported a ‘protest over economic hardship in Minna – the capital city of Niger State’. Tribute Online among other news agencies also reported similar case with traders in Kogi State and elsewhere. In such a precarious economic climate, no doubt, any additional financial strain is nothing short of a burden.

Cost of living in Nigeria is just too high and at increase, as the country battles double digits inflation, multidimensional poverty among majority of its citizens and ranks as the country with the highest unemployment rate. Whether the talk is about the ultra-expensive medication and food stuff we couldn’t do without buying, or the non-subsidized petroleum and electricity products and services we must patronize, or any other inflated resources of necessity [take out luxury]; it is clear that the income from work of an average Nigerian is not close to been enough to scale them out of Maslow’s first stage of Need Hierarchy! From Adamawa to Kebbi, Borno to Lagos, Katsina to Bayelsa, and Sokoto to Akwa Ibom; the distinction in our sociocultural variables exert no much difference on the state of suffering. Everywhere, the story is just the same.

By the look of things, the next generation of Nigerians, one hopes not, will be left with two very difficult options of either ‘not schooling’ or ‘getting education only outside their own country’. This assumption is based on the premises that; education in this part of the world is on high speed in its way to its grave while relevant stakeholders especially the government seem to be walking on turtle’s back in their effort to reverse the disaster. As much as this line of thinking sounds pessimistic, it is the only reality one could lay hold on. In all honesty, any variation from this understanding is, or at least could be taken for, a vague. This is because the conclusion is born out of an in-depth analysis of the current situation in which the country found itself.

While the Senate summoned ‘economic team’ over the worsening economic situation, as was made know to the general public on Wednesday, 7th February 2024; Punch Newspaper quoted the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as lamenting about “rising inflation and economic hardship” on the same day. It’s a talk about a for-long burning fire in the backyard. Namely, increase in tuition fees in tertiary institutions. Calling it by its name, it’s a time bomb – one more wrong move and all the huts are burnt down!

After all, this is not the first time the said students’ union is crying over the worsening Nigerian condition and engaging the nation’s leadership, holding it accountable and insisting on doing the right thing – with special reference to their education. The students are too familiar with the terrain as to helping others in navigating it. In different occasions since early last year when some universities started increasing their tuition fee by at least 200% in University of Maiduguri and even up to 300% in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, NANS and other social activists such as Femi Falana (SAN) keep urging the federal government to reverse the hikes. All in vain! To date, only few universities were not affected by such increases. I since saved my heart by refusing to find out on the number of students who dropped out because of the hikes.

Worth noting is that, for parents, education has always been a top priority. They sacrifice and scrimp to ensure that their children receive the best possible education, often making compromises and forgoing their own needs. However, the recent spike in school fees has turned this already daunting task into an uphill battle. Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, offering every person a chance to succeed regardless of their background. However, with the exorbitant rise in school fees, this fundamental principle is being undermined. Education is fast becoming a privilege reserved only for the affluent, while the less fortunate are left struggling to keep up.

Four months ago, a nationwide research by the Leadership Newspaper showed a “concern that university education may soon be out of reach of the children of ordinary Nigerians [the concern of which] was prompted by the [hitherto] recent pronouncement by the minister of education, Professor Tahir Mamman, that the federal government will grant full financial autonomy to public universities.” Or in simpler terms, the government will stop sponsoring the education entities.

Whatever the reasons the universities and government hold for the tuition fees increase, no doubt, the timing couldn’t be more inappropriate. At a time when parents are already stretched to their limits financially, the additional burden of higher educational expenses is pushing many families to the brink of financial ruin. Some parents are being forced to make agonizing decisions – choosing between paying school fees or putting food on the table, between investing in their children’s future or simply making ends meet.

Moreover, experts believe that the impact of rising school fees extends far beyond the financial realm. It creates a sense of insecurity and uncertainty among students, affecting their ability to focus on their studies and excel academically. It also perpetuates inequality, widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots and depriving countless children of the opportunity to realize their full potential.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative that action be taken to address the issue of rising school fees, with reversing the recent changes being the most important. Take out the so-called ‘Students Loan Act’ out of the equation for a while, government interventions such as subsidies or financial assistance programs are urgently necessary to help alleviate the financial burden on parents and ensure that education remains accessible to all. Educational institutions also have a role to play, by implementing transparent fee structures and exploring alternative sources of funding. In case they become autonomous, let there be partnerships between them and private sector.

Finally, stakeholders at all levels ought to prioritize education and take decisive steps to mitigate the impact of rising school fees. The country’s future depends on it, and we cannot afford to let financial barriers stand in the way of our dreams and aspirations. It’s time to ensure that education remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for every Nigerian, regardless of their economic circumstances. Until something is done, the protests such as were witnessed in many institutions from the southern part of the country could translate to a security challenge that promises consuming a great pool of the nation’s young talents. Allah Ya kiyaye!

Abubakar Idris “Misau” is a Forestry and Wildlife graduate. He writes from Yola, Nigeria, and can be reached via mail at abubakaridrismisau@gmail.com or on phone through +2349030178211.